I have an interesting career life. On one hand, I'm all about spiritual energy and connecting myself and my clients to greater part of their "unseen self", but on the other I'm a consultant for the beauty industry, a business all about what is "seen" and how we look. I've been working in the world of beauty in one fraction or another for, dare I say it, over 30 years. And although I've enjoyed most of it, there's the part that caters to the physical insecurities of others that I've found frustrating.
I'm all for making ourselves feel better via adornment whether it be tattoos, makeup, or a new piece of clothing - a good exterior remodel now and then can certainly boost self-confidence. I think it makes sense to update things as we move through life and allow our outsides to reflect the different versions of ourselves we become along the way. No more 80s-big-hair-poodle-style of years past! Where my frustration lies is in the way we so often permit society to decide what is considered beautiful or acceptable, and what isn't.
Let's face it (pun intended), not one of us goes without scrutinizing the appearance of those around us. We judge a person for looking too conservative, too liberal, too gay, too straight, too dark, or too light, the list goes on and on...but what about when we judge someone for being too attractive or unattractive? I've seen many instances where those who are unconventional in appearance (or unattractive by a narrow-minded society) go unnoticed, ignored when needing help, or treated as outcasts. On the flipside is the individual getting extra attention, or revered for their "good looks". Just turn on the TV and you'll find a multitude of "celebrities" getting by on nothing but the merits of their physical appearance. And I've also seen individuals who are considered very attractive judged harshly by those who are threatened by the mere presence of their looks.
In my observing the dynamics of human interaction (aka, people-watching), I've found it very interesting to see how we all relate to one another. It's wonderful to see how we can rise to the occasion and support and respect each other, but then there are the other, less inspirational exchanges. I see people reacting to how they're perceived by acting coy to get what they want, or using their looks to intimidate, or even worse, diminishing themselves so as to not to be too threatening to a particular group.
I do believe we as humans have it hardwired within us to judge on appearance for survival reasons, but if we step outside our fear of those that don't fit into our idea of normal (what does that mean anyway?!) we open up to seeing those around us more on the virtues of their spirit. This week's message speaks to this and is very short, but to the point. If we could all take a step back from time to time, we'd see more than just physical attributes. We'd see the kindness, compassion and life challenges, or the manipulation and true reason to avoid someone.
Here's looking at you...
Love & Blessings,
Mollie
P.S. Please remember to check out upcoming classes below, and this week's featured guest, Meta Lackland. Thank you!
